NAVI RESIDENTS IRKED AFTER MSEDCL ASKS FOR ADDL DEPOSIT

NAVI MUMBAI: Notices by MSEDCL informing about payments due against additional security deposits have got residents fuming and seeking for answers.

Unhappy, many are seeking answers through social media like Twitter. MSEDCL, Ministry of Power and CM’s office are tagged by residents unsure about the reason for MSEDCL levying extra charges.

Santosh Yadav is one such user who tweeted about the difference in amount taken as additional security in 2021 and 2022. In a photo shared by the user, the amount levied as additional security deposit in 2021 is shown as ₹60 whereas for 2022, the amount to be paid is ₹990.

Similar concern was voiced by a businessman, Darshan Popat from Turbhe. He related the hardships endured by traders due to erratic electric supply, yet MSEDCL has sought ₹25,000 as additional security deposit.

“On a daily basis, we have to deal with electric cuts. In fact, it was informed to me by the MSEDCL office in MAFCO that there will be load shedding as well. Such shoddy service is being rendered, yet they make it a practice to keep seeking extra security deposit,” said Popat.

Ghansoli resident, Pramod Chavan, termed the annual practice to be illogical. “Such practices are happening because of the monopoly of MSEDCL. Whatever bills they generate, we are simply required to pay. I live in 1 RK, yet my monthly bills are around ₹3,000. Last year, I faced issues with the security deposit and throughout the ordeal I kept wondering what the basis for collecting such deposits was when non-payment of bills even for a month can attract disconnection,” he said.

A senior official from MSEDCL stated that the collection of additional security deposits was happening as per the 2002 Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission orders.

He said, “Consumers are paying bills after usage. Bill generation and the payments take another 15 days. So, technically 45 days go by for MSEDCL to receive payments. In the event of losses due to delay in payment, it becomes essential that revised security deposit is collected equivalent to an average bill generated. For additional deposit collected, MSEDCL is also paying 16% interest that gets adjusted in the bills in April,” he said.